It might not be the first car you think of for large SUV luxury, but the 2023 Lexus RX350h offers its own take on “premium” in its pursuit of perfection.
2023 Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury
Lexus is no stranger to electrified vehicles. In fact, it has been selling the technology inside its vehicles – alongside parent brand Toyota – for nearly two decades. You could say Lexus pioneered the hybrid drivetrain, or at the very least helped bring the technology to the masses.
Now with 20 years under its belt creating luxurious hybrids, the Japanese manufacturer is back with its fifth-generation RX, and we’re behind the wheel of the high-spec 2023 Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury.
It’s a proven powertrain, but we’re keen to find out whether the entire package is still on par with luxury titans such as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Audi Q7.
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How much does the Lexus RX350h cost in Australia?
Traditionally one of the more affordable large luxury SUVs, the 2023 Lexus RX range begins at $87,500 before on-road costs and ends at the $126,000 (plus ORCs) Lexus RX500h. Compared to its rivals, the RX line-up, on the whole, remains relatively affordable.
The specification we’ve got for this review is the 2023 Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury AWD priced at $111,900 before on-road costs. Being a higher-specified model grade within the range, there is relatively little you can add options-wise, though our car receives the Enhancement Pack 2, which brings a digital rear-view mirror, parking assistance, and a panoramic sunroof.
As part of the Sports Luxury equipment package, it gets unique 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive variable suspension, semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated steering wheel with woodgrain inserts, power folding and reclining rear seats, and heated and ventilated rear seats.
All this kit comes over and above the lesser-specified RX variants, which receive bits and pieces such as a power tailgate, easy-access driver’s seat, electrically adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, wireless smartphone charging, 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, 360-degree camera system, and adaptive high beams.
As for the engine under the bonnet, the RX350h AWD is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid, which sends power to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission and to the rears via an e-axle not physically linked to the front wheels.
For a full list of included features, check out Drive’s detailed pricing and specification story.
| Key details | 2023 Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury |
| Price | $111,900 plus on-road costs |
| Colour of test car | Sonic Copper |
| Options | Enhancement Pack 2 – $3000 – Panoramic sunroof – Head-up display – Intelligent parking assist Premium Paint – $1346.16 |
| Price as tested | $116,246 plus on-road costs |
| Drive-away price | $130,498 (Melbourne) |
| Rivals | BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Audi Q7 |
How much space does the Lexus RX350h have inside?
The interior presentation of the new-gen Lexus RX is striking, especially in our car’s interesting colour scheme. It selects a dark brown leather upholstery that ties in with black trim and woodgrain inlays.
It looks sleek and modern, while the tech-front is covered off by a series of displays all within immediate vision of the driver. There’s a comfortable amount of room for the driver in the front row, while seating positions can be adapted with myriad electric controls.
Storage, too, is commodious. There’s a side-opening centre console bin, two large cupholders with elevated platforms for especially large bottles, while a hide-away slot sits in front of the gear selector (with a wireless phone charger tray). There are USB-C and USB-A ports at hand, plus a rubberised slot for keys and such.
I like the way the climate controls are displayed within the dials themselves, and although it’s a system that runs colder than you’d expect, it’s quick to perk up and cool the cabin down on warmer days.
Instead of traditional handles, the RX uses door buttons that ‘pop’ open the door. It’s a weird thing to change for change’s sake, and it can sometimes mean passengers can’t use them until the doors are unlocked. This can be changed in the infotainment settings, but odd that the locks aren’t overridden as standard. In worst-case scenarios, there is a manual door pull by simply pulling the door release button twice (instead of pushing).
Space in the second row is massive and the sculpted seats feel beautifully form-fitting. Amenties-wise, the second row contains two USB ports, sun blinds, map pockets, air controls, ventilated and heated outboard seats, a fold-down armrest and very deep door pockets.
The boot contains 612L with the seats up, which expands to 1678L with the electric second row folded. It’s a square-shaped boot space to allow maximum space, while the load floor is uniform with the boot lip. Beneath the boot floor there’s a tyre repair kit.
| 2023 Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury | |
| Seats | Five |
| Boot volume | 612L seats up 1678L seats folded |
| Length | 4890mm |
| Width | 1920mm |
| Height | 1695mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850mm |
Does the Lexus RX350h have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
A major bugbear with older Lexus cars was the outdated and poorly integrated infotainment systems. This is no longer the case with Lexus’s newer product, which incorporates a simple and effective touchscreen with myriad features.
The main infotainment display measures 14.0 inches in total, and it comes with voice command ability so you don’t have to interact with the screen at all. There’s also embedded navigation and a digital radio feed.
The maps and graphics are crisp and make for nice viewing, while the user experience is so much better than before thanks to simple shortcuts you can press on screen. The entire screen can run wireless or wired Apple CarPlay or wired Android Auto if preferred.
The Lexus RX also features Lexus Connected Services enabling remote vehicle access via a linked smartphone, allowing owners to check the car’s fuel level, remotely lock and unlock, plus contact emergency services in the event of an accident, and allow stolen vehicle tracking. Access is complementary for the first three years.
There’s less customisation with the digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, but it shows an array of pertinent information including fuel data and speed information. I preferred to look at the head-up display, which can change between various displays and show more information at eye level.
The Mark Levinson sound systems found in Lexus vehicles are some of the best in audio entertainment, in my experience, and the 21-speaker effort in this RX350h is incredible. The bass booms without crackle or distortion at higher volumes, and the clarity of sound is very impressive.
Is the Lexus RX350h a safe car?
The entire Lexus RX range scored a full five-star rating from ANCAP when it was tested back in 2022.
It scored 90 per cent for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent for child occupant protection, vulnerable road users get a 89 per cent protection score, and safety assistance tech is scored at 93 per cent.
| 2023 Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury | |
| ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2022) |
| Safety report | Link to ANCAP report |
What safety technology does the Lexus RX350h have?
In addition to the eight airbags in total, the Lexus RX range counts on a number of active safety items to achieve the above safety score.
These include autonomous emergency braking including junction assist, cyclist and pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, lane-departure warning, lane-centring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and safe-exit assistance.
The RX errs on the side of cautiousness, always cutting in earlier rather than later to avoid potential collisions. Within the infotainment menu you can change whether the driver attention monitor beeps when the driver looks away from the road, but oftentimes it falsely alerts even when you’re looking straight ahead.
How much does the Lexus RX350h cost to maintain?
All Lexus cars get a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. This timeline is now basically standard fare across the board.
It should be serviced every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever is first), while capped-price servicing means for the first five years you’ll be paying $695 each visit. Lexus owners also have access to the Encore owner benefits program for three years, which includes fuel discount offers, access to selected events, and service loan cars or pick up/drop off.
Insuring a Lexus RX350h costs $3487 per year. This is based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
For comparison, using the same parameters a 2023 BMW X5 xDrive40i costs $3700 per annum to insure.
| At a glance | 2023 Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury |
| Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Servicing costs | $2085 (3 years) $3475 (5 years) |
Is the Lexus RX350h fuel-efficient?
For its hybridised powertrain, Lexus quotes a 5.4L/100km fuel consumption for the RX350h on a combined fuel cycle. In our use, the car returned a 6.0L/100km reading.
The 65L fuel tank is recommended to only take premium unleaded petrol.
Fuel Consumption – brought to you by bp
| Fuel Useage | Fuel Stats |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 5.4L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 6.0L/100km |
| Fuel type | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| Fuel tank size | 65L |
What is the Lexus RX350h like to drive?
It’s established itself as a luxurious car inside, but to complete the package, the Lexus RX350h needs to drive like a luxury SUV.
The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine under the bonnet outputs a combined 184kW (between electric and petrol motors) to all four wheels. In practice, the hybrid powertrain reacts in a sprightly manner and acts quickly under throttle load. Outright punch from the motors isn’t all that impressive, though it’s fast enough for everyday duties without feeling overwrought.
It’s not turbocharged like its RX350 stablemate, and although you’ll save money on fuel, the RX350h lacks the refinement you get from a turbocharged motor. The engine whirrs under acceleration and it can even be a bit gruff after a start-up, as the engine revs higher to charge the hybrid battery.
That said, the hand-off between petrol and electric power is seamless. Where some manufacturers struggle to smoothly transition between alternate power sources, Lexus is an old hand in the game that knows how to provide a near-imperceptible experience.
From Lexus we’d expect a softer-edge ride quality that absorbs bumps, but the Lexus RX350h was firmer than anticipated. Without sinking to the lows of feeling crashy or jittery, the RX350h just has a firmer initial reaction to road bumps and imperfections. It’s still a high-end composure, though one that leans towards dynamics rather than outright comfort.
Set it upon a slew of corners and the RX350h holds its body upright and taut. The steering is sharp and defined, but at the same time it’s light and easy to manoeuvre when the car is set around town.
| Key details | 2023 Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury |
| Engine | 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid petrol |
| Power | 140kW @ 5200rpm petrol 134kW front electric 40kW rear electric 184kW combined |
| Torque | 239Nm @ 4300–4500rpm petrol 270Nm front electric 121Nm rear electric |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Transmission | CVT automatic |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 89.3kW/t |
| Weight (kerb) | 2060kg |
| Spare tyre type | Tyre repair kit |
| Tow rating | 1500kg braked 750kg unbraked |
| Turning circle | 11.8m |
Should I buy a Lexus RX350h?
At the pointy end of the market where every luxury SUV is trying to be everything to every buyer, the Lexus RX350h hones in on the qualities it knows.
This means it presents a brilliantly appointed interior with high-end materials and comfort, a frugal powertrain, and impressive amount of space. There’s even an excellent new tech interface that will feel a world apart to anyone who’s experienced its predecessors’ cumbersome systems.
Without being absolute negatives, the hybrid powertrain doesn’t exude the levels of refinement we’d expect from this price point.
However, it undoubtedly saves the buyer money at the end of the day, and considering just under half of all Lexus cars bought are electrified, the hybrid powertrain is an important part of the Lexus experience.
The post 2023 Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury review appeared first on Drive.
